Foods that make you smarter from every culture

“You are what you eat.” Cliche? Yes, but also so true. 

We know that junk food are bad for us. But is the opposite true? Are there food that makes you smarter?

The short answer is yes.

The food we eat has a huge impact on how we think, feel, and grow. In fact, it was found that the nutrients in our food become part of our brains.

Foods that are good for your brain can support its health and enhance your capacity for certain mental functions, like memory and focus.

“The foods we eat directly relate to how our brain functions. When it comes down to diet and eating, we are seeing now that it’s all about brain energy. The brain uses a large portion of energy compared to the rest of the body,” says Randall Wright, MD, a neurologist at Houston Methodist Hospital.

The science behind foods that make you smarter

While it is hard to believe that food can improve your cognitive abilities, much research has been done to suggest that nutrition plays a role in brain health and function.

Like any other organ, your brain needs nutrients to work well. And there are some nutrients that work better than others and very well.

For example, studies have shown that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can boost memory and cognitive function. This is because omega-3s help to maintain the health of brain cell membranes.

Lacking certain nutrients can also lead to cognitive decline. For example, a lack of vitamin D has been linked to impaired cognitive function and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Note that food alone is not enough to make you get As.  You need to maintain a balanced diet and make other healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise and enough sleep.

The worst foods for your brain

Before we look at the food that makes you smarter, it pays to know that some can be bad for your brain.

Some foods, if eaten too much, can have negative effects on the brain, worsening our memory and focus. 

Here are some of the worst foods for your brain that you should avoid: 

1. Sugary drinks

It has been found that people who drink a lot of sugary drinks such as soda, fruit-flavoured drinks, flavoured water, sports and energy drinks, and sweetened coffee and tea are more likely to have memory issues. These drinks contain fructose which could cause certain parts of your brain to become smaller. 

2. Processed food

Research has found that people who consume a lot of processed food have a faster rate of cognitive decline and are at risk of developing cognitive impairment. Processed food includes meat products, baked goods, milk, sodas, cereal, chips, etc.

3. Artificial sweetener

As people are more aware of the effects of sugar, there has been an increase in the production and consumption of diet sodas. 

Unfortunately, these diet sodas and other products that lack added sugar use aspartame, an artificial sweetener. 

Aspartame has been directly linked with anxiety and also causes oxidation, which increases harmful free radicals in the brain.

To avoid this consider using honey, monk fruit extract or coconut sugar. And in moderation!

Food that makes you smarter from Western culture

US

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal has been a traditional breakfast food for many years. But did you know that it not only keeps your tummies full throughout the day but is also great for brain-boosting?

According to neurologists, neurosurgeons, and other brain experts, overnight oats mixed with other brain foods like walnuts and blueberries is one of the best meals to start your day.

The complex carbohydrates found in oats can help release energy slowly throughout the day to keep your brain functioning, while vitamin B, antioxidants and other minerals can boost cognition. 

2. Spinach 

“I’m strong to the finish ’cause I eats me spinach”

If you have watched Popeye the Sailor Man, you would know that spinach is known to give you strength and vitality. Spinach was Popeye’s secret weapon – even giving him the power to turn into a human rocket. 

While we can’t say that spinach will give you super strength, it will definitely increase your brain health. 

The leafy green’s rich nutrient content, such as vitamins B, E, and K, has led to the belief that it could enhance your memory and mental focus. 

Canada

1. Maple syrup

Did you know that maple syrup extract can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

People usually use maple syrup to douse their pancakes but it was found that this natural sweetener is a promising option in protecting your brain cell against damage found in Alzheimer’s disease.

Pure maple syrup can provide a quick energy boost and clear your mind, especially when paired with hearty breakfasts like oatmeal. 

However, while it is healthier and more nutritious than sugar, maple syrup is still a sweetener and high in sugar, so it’s probably best to consume it in moderation.

2. Saskatoon berries

Saskatoon berries have been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries. They have a sweet, nutty flavour and can be eaten fresh or dried. They’re used in pies, wines, jams, beer, cider, and sometimes cereals and trail mixes.

They are packed with antioxidants, which are believed to support brain health and improve memory.

These berries are one of the best sources of vitamin B2, which is essential for energy production.

3. Pemmican

Pemmican is a traditional, nutrient-rich food invented by Native Americans over 500 years ago.

A traditional food made by Indigenous peoples, pemmican is a concentrated mixture of fat and protein, often with added berries. 

It was believed to be not only a survival food but also a source of mental strength and endurance.

The combination of muscle meat and fat will provide almost all the nutrients you need. 

Australia

1. Kangaroo meat 

Indigenous Australians have consumed kangaroo meat for thousands of years, believing it to be a powerful source of strength.

Rich in protein and iron, they believe it enhanced physical and mental strength, making it a food that could sharpen the mind.

It is leaner and also provides significant amounts of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are essential for maintaining healthy blood, bones, and brain function.

2. Macadamia nuts

Native to Australia, macadamia nuts have been a traditional food source and were considered a delicacy by the Aboriginal people.

These nuts are rich in healthy fats, and it was believed that they could nourish the brain, improving memory and mental sharpness.

Macadamia nuts contain copper, magnesium, and manganese, which help maintain healthy neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals send signals around the brain, communicating what needs to happen. Healthy neurotransmitters are important for good brain and mental health.

3. Vegemite 

Vegemite has been around for over 100 years and has become a staple in most Australian households. 

While this salty spread is not for everyone, it is believed to have high B-vitamin content that could boost brain function and energy levels, especially among children.

Made from yeast extract it has been found to reduce fatigue, anxiety, and stress. According to the University of Victoria, those who ate vegemite on a regular basis reported feeling less anxious and stressed. 

Food that makes you smarter from British culture 

United Kingdom 

1. Fish and chips 

Specifically, fish. You may want to hold back on the chips. 

Though fried potatoes didn’t make the cut, the good news is fish is one of the best foods to make you smarter. 

Fish, such as salmon or mackerel, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health. 

Omega-3s have been found to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of mental decline. 

In fact, having just one seafood meal per week has been linked with a lowered risk of both Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

 2. Tea 

Brits are obsessed about tea, accounting for almost half the liquid people consume.

They believe that a cup of tea can solve many issues and use it as a comfort when having a bad day.

Well, they aren’t wrong.

Tea, specifically black and green tea, can be good for your brain. These teas are rich in antioxidants and compounds, which have been shown to enhance cognitive function and improve focus.

A study found that people who drink tea regularly have better brain function and organisation skills. 

By drinking tea regularly, you can boost your brain’s performance, support better concentration, and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline over time.

Food that makes you smarter from Asian culture

Chinese 

1. Ginseng 

Ginseng is a well-known herb in China, often said to be the tonic for the body and mind.

It is believed to enhance mental clarity, reduce fatigue, and improve overall cognitive function. 

Many believe that ginseng can improve memory and mental performance, especially under stress.

Its antioxidant properties help protect brain cells from damage, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. 

 

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2. Chicken essence 

Though it smells and tastes questionable, the benefits of chicken essence are unquestionably great.

Chicken essence has become a staple in most Asian households. Known to be Asia’s “brain tonic,” this concentrated extract made from chicken is known to have potential benefits for your brain. 

Rich in amino acids and peptides, chicken essence has been shown to improve mental performance and reduce fatigue. 

A study by the National University of Singapore found that regular consumption of chicken essence can enhance memory, attention, and overall cognitive function, especially when stressed.

The benefits are definitely worth suffering through the taste and smell. 

3. Birds nest

Don’t be fooled. While bird’s nest may be made from the saliva of swiftlets, it is one of the best foods that makes you smarter. 

Bird’s nest is renowned for its benefits to your brain. Rich in glycoproteins and essential nutrients, bird’s nest promotes brain health by supporting cellular repair and enhancing cognitive function. 

Research suggests that the bioactive compounds in bird’s nest can improve memory and learning abilities by supporting neuron growth and reducing brain inflammation. 

Indian 

1. Almonds

Did you know eating 23 almonds a day can lead to better brain function?

Almonds are rich in essential fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants that support cognitive function.

They are a nutritious snack that can significantly benefit your brain. Studies have shown that regular consumption of almonds may help improve memory and cognitive function. 

2. Turmeric

Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can protect brain cells from damage and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. 

Curcumin can improve memory and attention in older adults by reducing brain inflammation and promoting the growth of new brain cells. 

Those who took curcumin experienced improvements in memory and attention and decreased accumulation of beta-amyloid and tau protein, which are the proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that is believed to reduce stress and improve cognitive function. 

It has been found that ashwagandha may promote the growth of new nerve cells and protect existing ones from damage, potentially improving memory and overall brain health. 

By incorporating ashwagandha into your routine, you can support your brain’s reduce stress, improve cognitive performance, and help maintain mental sharpness.